What We Do

Our purpose:SOAS Detainee Support attempts to break the isolation of immigration detention, and supports people to take control of their cases and resist their imprisonment and deportation.

Our aims:

SOAS Detainee Support visits people who are being held in Harmondsworth and Colnbrook (Heathrow), Brook House and Tinsley House (Gatwick), and Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centres. We also visit people who are held in London prisons under immigration powers.

We work in solidarity rather than charity, and try to meet people in detention on their own terms and without preconceived notions about their situation or desires.

Visiting is central to who we are as a group. The nature of the visits we provide depends on the specific needs, desires and circumstances of the person in detention. We offer emotional support and practical support that could include help with finding a solicitor or medical expert, bringing toiletries and other essential items, and campaigning alongside people in detention. We do not offer legal advice.